The OM team in Singapore saw seeds of hope take root in two men's lives.
A very special Christmas gift came earlier than expected for a group of people, especially to a volunteer in OM's ministry in the red-light district of Singapore.
Carrie* shared how meaningful the year was for her as she walked regularly with a group of Jesus followers in the area, living out Christ’s love to the communities dwelling there. She ministers to red-light workers, reading bible stories together and praying for them.
The ministry ended 2024 by Christmas carolling and sharing hope with red-light workers from Southeast Asia and migrant construction workers from South Asia. Nearly 50 volunteers, including instrumentalists like Carrie, joined the outreaches. The carollers also distributed gifts and literature in various Southeast Asian languages to the workers.
“I am a pianist,” said Carrie, “I selected the melodica as the more practical instrument to bring along with me to play as the choir sings.” She recently purchased the instrument and practised hard to get ready for Christmas carolling.
Carrie recalled occasions during the regular outreach walks where caretakers would wave a friendly goodbye as a signal for the team to move on, but many other times where the group was welcomed to share God’s love, Bible stories and how the gospel had impacted them.
On a starry night, Carrie and the Christmas carollers set off declaring: “The Holy Spirit is at work, and we are His instruments!”
At the first brothel stop, the carollers were welcomed by the caretaker, Peng* and his friend, Long*. They were no strangers to the team. Peng hurriedly carried as many chairs as he could find to have everyone seated comfortably before getting to know each one of them.
Silent night, holy night...Hark the herald angels sing...Joy to the world!
Soon, the living room was filled with festive songs of joy and cheer as customers came in and out of the facility. After the carolers sang, they invited Peng and Long to read a portion of Scripture from Luke 2:3-20 that explained how Christmas is about Jesus.
When Peng and Long were asked whether they would welcome Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, they said yes.
In the brightly lit living room surrounded by idols, superstitious emblems and layers of bedsheets hanging overhead to dry, Peng and Long prayed to invite Jesus into their lives.
It may seem like Peng and Long had always been welcoming to believers and accepted Christ the first time they heard the gospel, but this was not the case.
The seed of hope was sown over years of visits by Jesus' followers and finally took root. Various groups of believers have spent time with Peng and Long, chatting over meals, celebrating their birthdays and visiting them in good times and bad. Gradually, their hearts softened and friendship with the team deepened as they read the Bible together.
Peng likened his change to that of people in the Bible, ‘transforming from Martha to Mary’. He confessed that he used to keep himself very busy with numerous things, but now has chosen to sit down at the feet of Jesus to seek Him.
What a special moment it has been for Carrie and the team as they celebrated salvation together with their friends this Christmas.
*name changed